Fewer Words, Better Writing: Tip #4

Omit spare words wherever you find them, and you will be amazed at how much more effectively you can express the same thought.

The shorter the sentence, the likelier it is to be understood and to comply with rules of grammar. You may wish to embellish your thoughts for the sake of imagery, introspection, or information, but ultimately, you want every one of your sentences to be messengers of your creative thought process with the sole intention of elevating the reader’s experience.

I encourage you in the practice of minimalism and efficiency, and to scrutinize your sentences for excess. The following sentence can do with a word cut: “When you go through the painful process of grieving, it would be helpful for you to enlist the support of close family and friends.” This is the same thought, but in half the word count: “Alleviate the pain of your grief through support from family and friends.”